Arsenal confirm Martin Odegaard’s £34m transfer from Real Madrid but Mikel Arteta WON’T have ace for huge Chelsea clash

ARSENAL have announced the permanent signing of Norwegian playmaker Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid.

The 22-year-old has joined until 2026 in a deal rising to £34million, with the exciting youngster to wear the No8 shirt in his second spell at the Emirates.

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Martin Odegaard has joined Arsenal on a permanent deal from Real Madrid[/caption]

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Norwegian playmaker Odegaard has joined the Gunners on a five-year deal[/caption]

And he will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of former iconic No8’s in North London, with Ian Wright, Aaron Ramsey, Freddie Ljungberg and even current boss Mikel Arteta all achieving success with the number.

Odegaard impressed during his loan stint last term where he chipped in with two goals and as many assists in 20 outings.

From his 11 starts in the Premier League, he found himself on the winning side seven times, with two defeats coming against Liverpool and Manchester City.

Though he will not make his second debut in the London derby against Chelsea on Sunday with Arsenal still waiting for visa clearance.

He is Arsenal’s fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Nuno Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokongo and Ben White.

Speaking of why Odegaard has been signed in his pre-match press conference, Arteta said: “Well a lot of things that he brought last season. He made us better.

Times Newspapers Ltd

Odegaard will be hoping to earn cult status like Ian Wright, who also wore the No8 jersey in North London[/caption]

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“We needed more options, more alternatives, creativity and players that can be models in this football club.

“I am delighted the club has made an effort and we have Martin here.”

Mikel Arteta had made signing a creative midfielder one of his priorities this summer, with Odegaard a target throughout the window.

However Real Madrid were reluctant to part ways with the former Real Sociedad loanee until now.

His move has effectively ended Arsenal’s pursuit of Leicester star James Maddison who was believed to be valued north of £60million.

The Gunners maintain an interest in Lyon ace Houssem Aouar, though they face competition from rivals Tottenham.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano told the Don Robbie YouTube channel: “I would keep an eye on Aouar till the last day of the window because now still some rumours we have with Tottenham and with Arsenal.

“These two clubs are really interested in Aouar. [Spurs’ Director of Football] Fabio Paratici wanted him one year ago when he was at Juventus.

“He had to make a decision between Aouar and [Federico] Chiesa, they decided to go for Federico Chiesa.”

Odegaard may not be the only arrival at Arsenal on Friday, with it understood goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is closing in on a switch from Sheffield United.

Speaking on whether he will be Arsenal’s No1 or No2 shot-stopper, Arteta remarked: “Aaron is a really talented young goalkeeper with huge experience.

“He’s going to bring competition which is what we want. Healthy competition, quality competition. We wanted a goalkeeper there and we ended with Aaron.”

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